The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has invited the 18 suspended local government chairpersons in Edo for interrogation.

The invitation was contained in a letter by EFFC’s director of investigation, Abdulkarim Chukkol, and addressed to the secretary to the state government.

Mr Chukkol, in the letter dated December 17, directed the chairpersons of Akoko-Edo, Egor, Esan Central, Esan North East, Esan South East, and Esan West to report at its office on Thursday, December 19.

Others also expected at the EFCC office on Thursday are the chairpersons of Etsako Central, Etsako East, and Etsako West local governments.

The council bosses of Igueben, Ikpoba Okha, Orhionmwon, Ovia North East, Ovia South West, Owan East, Owan West, and Uhunmwode local governments are scheduled to report on Friday.

The EFCC director asked the chairpersons to come with certified true copies of staff strength and payroll documents.

Other documents requested included details of accounts where funds are received for payment of staff salaries, accounts where funds are reserved for staff salary exigencies, and the statement of account of the said accounts from January 1 to date.

He said the request was made pursuant to Section 38(1);(2) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004.

The Edo House of Assembly had on December 17 suspended the chairpersons and their deputies for alleged insubordination and misconduct.

The suspension reportedly followed their failure to submit their financial statements as directed by Governor Monday Okpebholo. 

(NAN)